A full-time independent rock musician and composer (who remains anonymous) has agreed to share some details of his income streams from 2008-2011. The Future of Music Coalition has released this case study (pdf) and highlights how this artist balances his risk/reward tradeoffs managing his own solo work versus being a salaried band member with a record label contract.
In 2008, this musician's income was >90% derived from a salary being in a band.
By 2011, this musician earned ~25% of his income as a salary from a band and ~75% of his income from being an independent soloist.
Does this situation seem common? What lessons can be learned from this artist's career so far?
